Tool belt having removable carriers and method of producing same

ABSTRACT

A tool belt, and a method of producing a tool belt, includes a configuration that can be easily changed to accommodate different tools and different positions along the belt. A strap member can be configured with a plurality of loops around at least a portion of the strap and a tool carrier can be configured to be placed into some or all of the loops to provide access to tools and other implements carried within it. The strap is configured to be worn around a torso of a user, and can be secured with a buckle or other fastening mechanism.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/628,772 filed Nov. 17, 2004, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a tool belt and a method of producing a tool belt, and in particular a tool belt having a removable carrier.

2. Background Art

Tool belts have long been used as a convenient way for a worker to carry a number of different tools, thereby saving time and increasing job efficiency. While some tool belts may be adequate for merely holding different tools, conventional tool belts do not provide a simple and efficient means of changing their configuration, and in particular, of changing the different tool carriers associated with them. Moreover, workers often find themselves working in inclement weather, and conventional tool belts provide little or no protection for the tools they carry.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a tool belt that provides multiple configurations to carry different tools as needed, and which provides a fast and efficient means for changing the configuration. Moreover, it would be desirable to have a tool belt which at least optionally provided some protection for the tools it carries, for example, from inclement weather.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a tool belt, and a method for producing a tool belt, that has multiple configurations. The configurations of the tool belt can be changed to accommodate different types of tool carriers in different locations on the belt. In one embodiment, the belt is made from a double-layered main body of a flexible material, and is configured with a fastener, such as a buckle, near each end. Between the layers of material is a series of pockets or slots which extend from a top edge to a bottom edge of the belt. An outer surface of the belt may have a portion of a hook and loop fastener attached to it, which, as explained below, acts as an additional mechanism to secure tool carriers to the belt.

The accessories, or tool carriers, associated with the belt include a tab, or blade-like structure which extends from the top and/or the back of the tool carrier. A back portion of the tool carrier may also have a portion of a hook and loop fastener attached to it to mate with the hook and loop fastener on the outer surface of the belt. To secure the tool carrier to the belt, the tab can be slid into any one of the slots located around the belt. In addition, the hook and loop fastener on the belt will mate with the hook and loop fastener on the back of the tool carrier to further secure the tool carrier to the belt.

The tabs can be attached to the tool carrier by being sewn on, riveted, or attached with any other fastener effective to secure the tab to the carrier. The tool carriers may be in the form of a pouch, pocket, loop, or any other structure effective to carry a tool, including carriers having a very specific shape designed to carry a specific tool. The belt can be made of heavy canvas, or other generally flexible materials. The loops may extend for the entire length of the belt, or some portion thereof. The belt itself can include one continuous length of material extending the entire length of the belt. Alternatively, the belt can be made from smaller lengths of material fastened together to form the full length of the belt. Near the ends of the belt can be a buckle arrangement, a hook and loop fastening arrangement, or other fastener effective to hold the belt around the torso of a user.

The invention also provides a tool belt arrangement including an elongate strap configured to be disposed around at least a portion of a user's torso. A tool carrier includes an elongate member attached thereto, and a receiving member is configured to receive the elongate member such that the tool carrier is disposed adjacent the receiving member. The receiving member is disposed adjacent the strap, and includes a first open end which is configured to receive the elongate member.

The first open end of the receiving member, or loop, faces generally upward when the tool belt arrangement is worn by a user. This facilitates insertion of the elongate member of the tool carrier into the loop from above the belt. The elongate member can be configured as a blade-like tab, and may be generally straight, or may include two portions disposed at an angle to each other. In such case, one portion can be configured for insertion into the loop, while the other portion extends at an angle from the first portion and is attached to the tool carrier. The blade-like elongate member can have a generally rectangular cross section, which tends to keep it from rotating after it is inserted into the loop.

The invention further provides a tool belt arrangement including a plurality of loops forming at least a portion of an elongate strap member. Each of the loops define first and second open ends. A tool carrier is configured for attachment to the strap member. It includes an elongate member configured for insertion into at least one of the loops through at least one of its respective open ends to at least partially secure the tool carrier to the strap member. In one embodiment, the tool carrier may be configured with a portion of a fastener, such as a portion of a hook and loop fastener. This portion of the fastener would cooperate with a mating portion of the fastener attached to the elongate strap member.

The invention also provides a method of producing a tool belt arrangement, which includes forming an elongate strap member to include a plurality of loops. Each of the loops defines first and second open ends, and the elongate strap member is configured to be worn around a user's torso. The method also includes providing a tool carrier including an elongate member which is configured for insertion into at least one of the loops through a respective end of the loop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a tool belt arrangement in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention secured to the torso of a user;

FIG. 2 shows a strap member of the tool belt arrangement shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows the strap member and the tool carrier of the tool belt arrangement shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a portion of a strap member and a tool carrier in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a tool belt arrangement in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, including a cover shown in a partially stored, partially extended position; and

FIG. 6 shows the tool belt arrangement shown in FIG. 5, having the cover fully extended and placed in a use position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

FIG. 1 shows a tool belt arrangement 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The tool belt arrangement 10 is attached to the torso of a user 12 and provides a convenient method for carrying tools or other implements. The tool belt arrangement 10 includes a tool carrier 14, which, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, is a tool pouch. It is understood that different types of tool carriers may be used in accordance with the present invention, including loops, hooks, or other structures configured to carry tools and other implements. The tool belt arrangement 10 also includes an elongate strap member 16 which is secured around the torso of the user 12. As explained more fully below, the strap 16 is configured to receive a tool carrier, such as the tool pouch 14, in any of a number of different locations.

FIG. 2 shows an isolated view of the strap 16. The strap 16 includes a plurality of receiving members, or loops 18, disposed around a portion of the strap 16. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, each of loops 18 includes an open top end 20 and an open bottom end 22. Each of the loops 18 have a generally cylindrical configuration with the top end 20 facing generally upward when the strap 16 is worn by the user 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the loops 18 do not extend for the entire length of the strap 16. Rather, the loops 18 end to provide for a conventional buckle fastening arrangement 24. Of course, other types of fastening arrangements could be used, such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, etc. Although the loops 18 do not extend for the entire length of the strap 16, they do extend around the entire torso of the user 12—see FIG. 1. This is accomplished by providing loops 18 in a front portion 26 of the strap 16 which is disposed on an inside of the buckle arrangement 24—see FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 shows the pouch 14 ready for insertion into the top open end 20 of one of the loops 18 on the strap 16. The pouch 14 includes an elongate member, or tab 28. The pouch 14 may be made from heavy canvas, leather, or other material effective to carry tools in a manner desired. Although the tab 28 can be made from the same material as the pouch 14, it may be convenient for the tab 28 to be made from a generally hard material, such as plastic. Of course, metal, heavy leather, or other materials may also be used.

As shown in FIG. 3, the tab 28 may be conveniently inserted into the loop 18 from above the strap 16. As readily seen from the drawing figure, the length of the tab 28 is greater than the length of the loop 18, and therefore, the tab 28 will extend beyond the bottom open end 22 after it is inserted into the loop 18. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the tab 28 is a blade-like structure, having a cross section with a width (W) much greater than its thickness (t). This generally rectangular cross section helps to inhibit rotation of the tab 28 after it is inserted into the loop 18. Of course, other configurations, including circular cross sections, can be used as desired. On an outer surface 30 of the loops 18 is disposed a portion of a fastener, and in particular, a portion of a hook and loop fastener 32. Similarly, a back surface 34 of the pouch 14 also includes a portion of a fastener, and in particular, a portion of a hook and loop fastener 36. After the tab 28 is inserted into the loop 18 and the pouch 14 is disposed adjacent the strap 16, the hook and loop fastener portions 32, 36 will mate with each other, thereby further securing the pouch 14 to the strap 16. As an alternative to the hook and loop fasteners 32, 36, other types of fasteners can be used—e.g., snaps, magnets, etc.

As shown in FIG. 3, the tab 28 is generally straight. In contrast, FIG. 4 shows a portion of a tool belt arrangement 37 wherein the elongate member, or tab 38, includes two portions disposed at an angle to each other. In particular, the tab 38 includes a first portion 40 which is configured for insertion into a receiving member, or loop 42. The loop 42 is part of a strap 44 which is configured to be worn around a user's torso. The tab 38 also includes a second portion 46, which, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, is disposed at an approximately right angle to the first portion 40. The second portion 46 is attached to a tool carrier or pouch 48. As with the tab 28, the second portion 46 of the tab 38 can be attached to the pouch by any fastening system effective to secure the pouch 48 to the tab 38.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first portion 40 of the tab 38 has a length that is less than the length of the loop 42. In this configuration, a bottom end 50 of the loop 42 can be open, or closed, as desired. Such a configuration may be convenient for example if it is desired to manufacture a strap, such as the strap 40, from a single piece of material which is folded over along the bottom edge. Also shown in FIG. 4 is a portion 52 of a hook and loop fastener attached to the strap 44, and another portion 54 of a hook and loop fastener attached to the pouch 48. It is thus readily apparent that after the first portion 40 of the tab 38 is inserted into the loop 42, the portions 52, 54 of the hook and loop fastener will mate with each other to further secure the pouch 48 to the strap 44.

FIG. 5 shows a portion of a tool belt arrangement 56 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The tool belt arrangement 56 includes a strap member 58 and a tool carrier 60. The tool carrier 60 includes a first pocket 62 for carrying tools and other implements, and which is conveniently accessed by a user. The tool carrier 60 also includes a second pocket 64 disposed near the bottom of the tool carrier 60. Attached to the tool carrier 60 inside the second pocket 64 is a cover 66.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the cover 66 is made from a flexible sheet material that can be folded and stored inside the pocket 64. As shown in FIG. 5, the cover 66 is still partially stored within the pocket 64, and is partially removed from the pocket 64 to facilitate placing it in a use position where it can protect tools carried in a tool carrier 60. When the cover 66 is in its stored position, access to tools and other implements in the first pocket 62 is uninhibited. Conversely, when the cover 66 is in its use position, tools will be covered to protect them from the outside environment—e.g., as in the case of inclement weather. FIG. 6 shows the cover 66 in its use position, covering the first pocket 62, thereby protecting any tools or implements stored within it.

To produce a tool belt arrangement, such as the tool belt arrangement 10 shown in FIG. 1, a number of methods may be used. For example, two pieces of material placed adjacent to each other can be sewn together to form seams 68 (see FIG. 2), thereby forming the loops 18 between them. Additional pieces of material can be used, as desired, to form the ends of the strap 16. Such additional pieces of material could be run along the entire length of the strap 16, or may be connected to one or more of the loops along some portion of the strap 16. Alternatively, as discussed above, a single piece of material could be folded over to form loops, such as the loop 42 shown in FIG. 4. Thus, the material could be folded over along a bottom edge to create a closed end, such as the end 50 shown in FIG. 4.

In addition to forming a strap, a tool carrier, such as the pouch 14 or the pouch 48 can be provided in the production of the tool belt arrangement. A portion of a fastener can then be disposed along an inside of the strap, while another portion of the fastener can be disposed along a backside of a tool carrier to provide a more secure attachment—see, for example, FIG. 4. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cover 66 can be sewn, or otherwise attached, to the pouch 60 so that it can be deployed in a use position to protect any tools carried by its associated tool carrier.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A tool belt arrangement, comprising: an elongate strap configured to be disposed around at least a portion of a user's torso; a tool carrier including an elongate member attached thereto; and a receiving member adjacent the strap and including a first open end configured to receive the elongate member such that the tool carrier is maintained adjacent the receiving member.
 2. The tool belt arrangement of claim 1, wherein the receiving member includes a generally cylindrical structure, and wherein the first open end faces generally upward when the tool belt arrangement is worn by a user, thereby facilitating insertion of the elongate member into the receiving member from above the receiving member.
 3. The tool belt arrangement of claim 2, wherein the elongate member is generally straight.
 4. The tool belt arrangement of claim 2, wherein the receiving member includes a second open end opposite the first open end and wherein the generally cylindrical structure has a length less than a length of the elongate member, thereby allowing the elongate member to pass through the first and second open ends when the elongate member is inserted into the receiving member.
 5. The tool belt arrangement of claim 2, wherein the generally cylindrical structure includes a portion of a fastener disposed on a surface thereof, and wherein the tool carrier includes another portion of the fastener disposed on a surface thereof, each portion of the fastener being configured to contact the other after the elongate member has been inserted into the receiving member.
 6. The tool belt arrangement of claim 2, wherein the elongate member includes a cross section defined by a first dimension and a second dimension greater than the first dimension, thereby inhibiting rotation of the elongate member after it is inserted into the receiving member.
 7. The tool belt arrangement of claim 6, wherein the elongate member includes a first portion configured for insertion into the receiving member and a second portion disposed at an angle to the first portion and attached to the tool carrier.
 8. The tool belt arrangement of claim 1, wherein the tool carrier includes a cover attached to thereto and having a stored position wherein access to a tool in the tool carrier is substantially uninhibited, the cover further having a use position for covering at least a portion of the tool, thereby protecting it from an ambient environment.
 9. The tool belt arrangement of claim 8, wherein the tool carrier includes a pocket and the cover includes a flexible sheet structure disposable within the pocket in the stored position.
 10. A tool belt arrangement, comprising: a plurality of loops forming at least a portion of an elongate strap member, each of the loops defining first and second open ends; and a tool carrier configured for attachment to the strap member, the tool carrier including an elongate member configured for insertion into at least one of the loops through at least one of its respective open ends to at least partially secure the tool carrier to the strap member.
 11. The tool belt arrangement of claim 10, wherein the elongate member is generally straight.
 12. The tool belt arrangement of claim 10, wherein at least one of the loops includes a portion of a fastener disposed on a surface thereof, and wherein the tool carrier includes another portion of the fastener disposed on a surface thereof, each portion of the fastener being configured to contact the other after the elongate member has been inserted into the loop.
 13. The tool belt arrangement of claim 10, wherein the elongate member includes a cross section defined by a first dimension and a second dimension greater than the first dimension, thereby inhibiting rotation of the elongate member after it is inserted into one of the loops.
 14. The tool belt arrangement of claim 10, wherein the elongate member includes a first portion configured for insertion into at least one of the loops, and a second portion disposed at an angle to the first portion and attached to the tool carrier such that the second portion contacts a top edge the loop into which the first portion is inserted.
 15. The tool belt arrangement of claim 10, wherein the tool carrier includes a cover attached to thereto and having a stored position wherein access to a tool in the tool carrier is substantially uninhibited, the cover further having a use position for covering at least a portion of the tool, thereby protecting it from an ambient environment.
 16. The tool belt arrangement of claim 15, wherein the tool carrier includes a pocket and the cover includes a flexible sheet structure disposable within the pocket in the stored position.
 17. A method of producing a tool belt arrangement, comprising: forming an elongate strap member including a plurality of loops, each of the loops defining first and second open ends, the elongate strap member being configured to be worn around a user's torso; and providing a tool carrier including an elongate member configured for insertion into at least one of the loops through a respective open end.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: disposing a portion of a fastener on at least one of the loops; and disposing another portion of the fastener on the tool carrier such that the fastener portions can be brought into contact with each other after the elongate member is inserted into the loop.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising attaching a cover to the tool carrier such that the cover can be disposed in a stored position wherein access to a tool in the tool carrier is substantially uninhibited, and such that the cover can be disposed in a use position for covering at least a portion of the tool, thereby protecting it from an ambient environment. 